Strong oral health doesn’t simply stem from just brushing and flossing your teeth. What is equally important is the food and drink you consume. Do not fall into the trap of thinking consuming acidic and sugary foods and beverages is ok if you brush your teeth twice a day.
Your diet choices are also extremely important to the health of your teeth and gums. To do this, your tooth enamel needs appropriate nutrients and minerals to keep your smile strong and shiny and to avoid erosion, tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.
So, what foods do we recommend to help strengthen your enamel? The choices below contain high levels of calcium, which is key for strong tooth enamel.
Dairy Products
Dairy products contain a high source of calcium for tooth enamel. This includes cheese, milk and yoghurt, and it’s recommended that you incorporate this into your diet. The added bonus is that cheese contains protein properties that help to reduce cavities and increase saliva production. Saliva is also very important for better digestion of food and fights off acid build-up. Drink a glass of milk every day, and add cheese and dairy to a healthy meal portion.
Leafy Green Vegetables
As part of a healthy meal, start incorporating some green salad, or mix up the salad into a smoothie! Leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli are very strong in calcium for tooth enamel and you can eat vegetables raw or cooked. It also acts as a barrier when it comes to acid build-up.
Almonds
Dry nuts are healthy, but almonds are especially a good choice. Almonds contain calcium, healthy fats and magnesium that you can enjoy as a delicious snack that’ll continue to strengthen your enamel.
Canned Fish
Canned fish is a healthy option that contains rich proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, alongside vitamin D. Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that calcium absorbs, but it is also vital as part of keeping your bone strong. Consider adding a sardine or some salmon as part of a healthy salad for lunch.
Fortified Cereals
Fortified cereals contain calcium as part of a single serving. Fortified means foods that contain extra nutrients, which can be found in cereals such as corn flakes, whole grain, bran flakes and muesli.
Choose calcium for tooth enamel. Not only will your smile remain strong, but your teeth and gums will also remain firm so that you can show off those pearly whites. Without the right nutrients, the enamel will become weaker and the underlying dentin will become exposed, causing your teeth to turn yellow.
Are you experiencing any concerns with your tooth enamel? Contact us now and let our Dural Dental team help you today.
